How to Create High-Quality Audio Podcasts with an iPad and Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone

I use an iPad to perform a lot of various jobs in my business. However, I’ve been pushing the iPad’s abilities to a whole new level. By default, it contains a built-in microphone that allows basic recording. I heard rumors that I could attach USB Microphones and record audio. So I plugged in my Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone and crossed my fingers. To my amazement, it worked. Here’s a sample recording…

This is an audio recording of the AT2020 being used with the iPad and the iPad Camera Connection kit. Just wanted you to hear the quality. It’s superb. I basically connected the AT2020 to the iPad using a Camera Connection kit. Upon connection, the iPad didn’t do a thing. Then I launched QuickVoice (although it’ll work with any audio app, really) and recorded the audio. QuickVoice created a high-quality 192kbps .caf file which I exported via Quicktime to .wav format. Then I converted to MP3 and uploaded it to my blog for your review. Please ignore the popping “p”, please. 🙂

I’m sure if I look around the App store, I could find an app that will record straight to MP3. This would skip the 2 intermediate conversion steps from QuickVoice and allow straight uploading once I get home.

As it stood, the AT2020 was a great mic already. Now that it works with an iPad, I can take it anywhere and record anything. This increases the value 100x.

Record an entire podcast with the iPad. Email it to myself, then clean it up and upload it to my blog.

Record audio samples of various indoor and outdoor sounds and sell them on AudioJungle.

Record audio products, interviews, meetings, events…anything…anywhere. Sell them later as courses.

Record seminars or concerts with permission (the iPad has phenomenal battery life).

Records daily notes and todo lists.

If you’re considering the purchase of an iPad for your business, don’t hesitate. It can allow you to break away from your desktop and get really creative. Plus, it’s “instant on” nature allows you to get to work asap without waiting for hibernation or bootup.

Update: The Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone also works in the iPad version of GarageBand. My wife is signing in our bedroom as I speak. I may never see my iPad again! 🙂

This is really cool! Another use, which is why I’m interested in this, is for voice-over on-location for video. Taking a setup that is much smaller to a client and allow them to record voice-over for a commercial or something is huge!
I’m planning on using my AT2020 mic, EditorsKeys Portable Vocal Booth, and Propellerhead’s ReBirth software. I’m hoping my setup is killer. When its done, I will be posting it on my website (randypugh.com).